Environment & Society
Multi-annual biodiversity surveys for the HYRASIA ONE project completed and published
Engaged by SVEVIND Energy GmbH and supported by its Aktau based subsidiary Hyrasia Energy LLP, the international consulting firm Fichtner GmbH & Co KG headquartered in Germany, led the multi-annual biodiversity baseline studies for the HYRASIA ONE project, part of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) in accordance with national legislation and internationally recognized standards.
Having completed this phase means a fundamental part of the internationally accepted ESIA preparation procedure is done, specifically designed to gather specialized input to strengthen the scientific quality and comprehensive nature of the upcoming full ESIA documentation. This phase provides a comprehensive definition of the biodiversity of the project areas.
Fichtner GmbH & Co. KG, in collaboration with licensed local partners in Kazakhstan, has conducted extensive desktop analyses, multi-annual field surveys, stakeholder engagements, and developed a structured interaction matrix.
Key Information and Submission Details
The following preliminary baseline documents are now available for expert review:
- Biodiversity Surveys Summary Interim Report
- Vantage Point Monitoring Survey
- Flora & Fauna Survey
- Marine Life Survey
Please note that these published materials present preliminary baseline results and methodologies. They do not represent final conclusions or impact assessments. The documents are technical in nature and intended for an expert audience.
Disclaimer
This is a preliminary expert review, not a public hearing and no public consultation nor final ESIA submission. Its sole purpose is the technical refinement of the future scope and areas in focus for ESIA.
We are seeking structured comments and professional expertise exclusively from relevant biodiversity experts.
Biodiversity Surveys
As part of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment, biodiversity surveys are carried out in the project areas and the wider area of influence. The surveys will provide an overview of potentially affected terrestrial and marine fauna and flora, including large and small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish as well as IUCN Red List and endemic species. The field studies cover a full meteorological year.
Special surveys will be set on birds and bats as this species are sensitive to wind energy development. The birds and bats mapping will use various methods to record the species, numbers, behaviour, and movements of these animals, such as visual observation, acoustic monitoring, and targeted searching of nests in the breeding season. The data collected will help to identify potential impacts of the project on wildlife and habitats, and to design appropriate measures to avoid, mitgate or compensate them.
Cultural & Historical Surveys
In order to protect cultural and historical sites, Hyrasia One conducts archaeological examinations with the aim to identify and protect any objects of historical and cultural heritage. To avoid negative effects by the project activities to sites, such as settlement ruins, necropolises and burial grounds, sanctuaries and prehistorical buildings, sixth areas of interest will be investigated. Identified objects and their buffer zones will be excluded from project development.
The potential building site for the industrial complex south of Kuryk, with a size of 4,921 hectares, has already been fully investigated. The conclusion of the archaeological survey was approved by the state authorities on 11. July 2023. During the survey, 21 objects of historical and cultural heritage were recognised as archaeological monuments. The main part of the Kuryk site (99%) is free of historical and heritage objects.
Social Studies
Comprehensive Social Impact Studies will examine the potential impact of Hyrasia One on the regional population, society, economy and politics.
Expected developments in infrastructure, labor supply, access to land and resources will be examined and evaluated according to international standards. As a result, the impact on demographics, livelihoods, social structures, health and safety will be assessed.
The social impact assessment will be a forecast of the project's development potential for the Mangystau region and the resulting social development.
Stakeholder Engagement
Hyrasia One is a strong driving force for a green industry cluster in the Mangystau region. The project has the potential to contribute significantly to Kazakhstan's energy transition goals. Hyrasia One will proactively and broadly inform decision-makers, communities, and the public about the results of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment – including their possible rights to compensations. Hyrasia One will hold civil dialogues to consult communities and the public throughout the development of the project.
Over the past months, the team has already carried out visits and initial civil dialogues with communities neighboring the project site.
Together with its ESIA partner Fichtner, Hyrasia One will present the scope and potential impacts of the project in the region during public consultations and public hearings, and offer the opportunity to submit comments and raise concerns. The process shall be open, transparent, accessible, and fair for all stakeholders in accordance with best international practice.
Upcoming public consultations and dialogue events will be announced in a timely manner here on the website.
FICHTNER – Our Partner for ESIA
Fichtner is a leading, independent engineering and consultancy firm active in the sectors of Energy, Renewable Energies & Environment, Water & Infrastructure as well as Consulting & IT.
The Fichtner Group with its subsidiaries and associated companies has a staff strength of more than 2000 worldwide. The Stuttgart based Fichtner GmbH & Co. KG accounts for over 950 of these – comprising mainly engineers, economists and management consultants covering a wide variety of specialist fields.
For public- and private-sector infrastructure service providers we offer comprehensive and interdisciplinary consultancy support, with our key area of activity concerned with central utilities infrastructure. No other enterprise offers our combination of engineering and consultancy, as needed for realizing large-scale projects, with classical management consultancy services.
Baseline studies
A four (4) weeks review period is now open, commencing on 12 December 2025. Comments submitted after this deadline will not be considered, as the Project documents will immediately proceed into the ESIA integration phase.
Expert contributions are voluntary and will be considered during the preparation of the full ESIA where technically relevant and aligned with national legislation and internationally accepted standards and methodologies, particularly those established by the World Bank/IFC.
To submit your expert contribution, please use the dedicated email address:
We kindly request that all comments be submitted in a structured format (e.g., a table or file clearly referring to the specific document section and page number) to facilitate efficient integration into the assessment.
Biodiversity Surveys Summary
